Become a Text & Chat Helpline Volunteer: Support Missing People from Home

Missing People
VO105859

Help Missing People provide vital support through digital channels – and make a difference from home.
Every year, thousands of people across the UK experience the trauma and uncertainty of disappearance – whether they are missing themselves or have a missing loved one. Missing People’s award-winning helpline is there in those moments: providing vital support and working to ensure no one has to face this crisis alone. With new funding, we’re expanding our digital services — offering support not only through online chat and text, but also via WhatsApp.
To make this possible, we’re recruiting Text and Chat Volunteers who can provide compassionate, safe, and reliable support remotely. By joining us, you’ll help more children, young people, and adults at risk – while volunteering in a flexible way that fits around your life.
What you’ll be doing
Using Missing People’s secure digital platforms (chat, text, and WhatsApp) you’ll provide sensitive, empathetic support to those who reach out.
Communicate compassionately with children, young people, and adults in crisis.
Explore and understand their situations, helping them access the right support.
Hear from young people running away, missing adults, and people who feel stuck and need guidance.
Support people who are worried about a missing person – such as family members. Provide them with advice to how to report someone missing and what to expect.
With the guidance of an experienced staff supervisor, help individuals reconnect safely with families and support networks.
Be a calm, reassuring presence – often at a critical moment in someone’s life.
What you’ll gain
Volunteering with Missing People is a chance to grow, connect, and make a lasting impact.
Comprehensive training: A 6-week online programme with 2 hours of self-paced learning and a 2-hour live session each week with fellow volunteers and helpline staff, followed by a shadowing and induction period.
Training times: You will need to attend either six Wednesday evening sessions or six Saturday morning sessions. Please ensure you can commit to the relevant dates before applying, as completing these sessions is essential for progressing through the training.
Wednesday sessions (6pm–8pm): 2nd Sep, 9th Sep, 16th Sep, 23rd Sep, 30th Sep, 7th Oct
Saturday sessions (10.30am–12:30pm): 5th Sep, 12th Sep, 19th Sep, 26th Sep, 2nd Oct, 10th Oct
Ongoing support: Guidance from our Helpline Coordinators and Supervisors, plus regular supervision and peer support.
Community: Become part of a passionate team of volunteers and staff, united by the goal of bringing missing people back to safety.
Recognition: After 6 months of service, you’ll be eligible for a formal reference to support your future opportunities.
Support to the Volunteer
Volunteers will receive comprehensive training, ongoing guidance, and regular supervision from experienced Helpline Coordinators and Supervisors. This includes a structured induction and shadowing period, peer support from fellow volunteers, and monthly group supervision sessions. Volunteers will always have access to staff support while carrying out their role and will be supported to develop confidence in responding to sensitive situations safely and appropriately.

Location and availability
This role is fully home-based.
Shifts will be 7 days a week, afternoons (2.30pm-6pm) and evenings (6pm-10pm) – we ask for a commitment of 1 shift per week
There will also be a monthly group supervision call you will be expected to attend.
Minimum commitment: 6 months+.
If you are interested, please click the ‘Apply’ button below (available when logged in and registered). You will then be contacted by the coordinator by email or phone call. If you have not heard back after 5 working days, the first step is to contact the organisation with the contact details provided. You could also check your junk/spam folder on your emails just in case the response is there. If that doesn’t work out, then please feel free to contact Volunteer Glasgow on [email protected]
After You Hit "Apply"
Confirmation email sent.
Follow-up contact (email or call) to arrange a chat.
Induction session at the location
Start volunteering with agreed-upon shift times.

Experience required

Qualities and skills we’re looking for
• No prior experience is required – we’ll provide full training. We are looking for someone who is:
• A strong communicator (via text and chat) who is empathetic, patient, and non-judgemental.
• Passionate about supporting vulnerable people.
• Confident using computers, digital platforms such as Microsoft Office, email, and instant messaging (you’ll need your own PC or laptop and Wi-Fi capable of running our systems).
• Able to volunteer from a qui

Travel details

This is a volunteering from home opportunity.

Travel expenses

As this is a fully home-based volunteering role, there are no regular travel expenses associated with the position. Any information regarding reimbursement for agreed volunteering-related costs, such as exceptional travel for training or events, would be discussed directly with Missing People as part of the recruitment and induction process.

I want to volunteer